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As the world observed International Congenital Heart Disease Day on Wednesday, experts sounded the alarm on the increasing prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHDs) in India. According to experts, about 2 lakh babies are born with CHDs in the country each year, making it the most common birth defect.
Congenital heart defects encompass a range of cardiac anomalies present since birth, varying from small defects with minimal symptoms to severe forms requiring urgent intervention. Dr. Sanjeeva Kumar Gupta, Consultant at the CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, emphasized that CHDs pose a significant burden on India’s healthcare system, affecting millions worldwide.
Among the common CHDs are Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), and Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). Dr. Deepak Thakur, Consultant Pediatric Cardiology at Paras Health Gurugram, outlined symptoms ranging from rapid breathing and poor feeding in newborns to chest pain and inadequate growth in older children.
Dr. Thakur further explained that while some children may remain asymptomatic initially, symptoms can worsen over time, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis. Concerns about a potential rise in CHD cases are fueled by factors like environmental pollution and undiagnosed maternal infections during pregnancy, according to Dr. Gupta.
Dr. Munesh Tomar, Director of Paediatric Cardiology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, highlighted various risk factors associated with CHDs, including family history, maternal infections during pregnancy, and syndromic associations.
Despite the challenges, advances in paediatric cardiology, cardiac surgery, and critical care have significantly improved survival rates for children with CHDs. Early diagnosis is crucial, emphasized the health experts.
Dr. Thakur reassured parents that CHDs are treatable conditions, with over 95 per cent of cases requiring nonsurgical intervention or surgical repair, enabling children to lead normal lives. However, awareness remains a critical issue, especially in rural areas where access to specialized care and financial constraints pose significant barriers for families.
As India grapples with the growing burden of CHDs, experts stress the importance of raising awareness, improving access to specialized care, and ensuring timely interventions to mitigate the impact of these congenital anomalies on children and their families.
